Divorce to Destiny: Reclaiming My CEO Husband by Anney GW

My CEO 47

47 Get Out of My Head

(Winona)

I'm not sure I'm ready. I thought I would be. "Let's get this day over with first."

I extract myself from his arms and pick up some oven trays full of party favorites to heat. The oven's warmth is a stark contrast to the cold pit in my stomach.

"Of course." Phillip gets some cheese and fruit platters from the fridge. "I'll go put these on the table." He smiles, trying to ease the tension, but I can sense the unease between us. "Thanks." Then I hesitate. "Phillip?"

"Yes?" He turns back to look at me, concern in his eyes, his eyebrows furrowing slightly.

"Play it cool out there." I bite my lip, the worry gnawing at me.

Memories of Jayden and our time together flash through my mind. His sexy smile, the way his eyes crinkled when he laughed, how safe I felt in his arms. Ishake the thoughts away, focusing on the present. will." Phillip's voice is reassuring, but I can still see the tension in his posture.

*Abby may say some things. Kids don't understand adult stuff. But this is her big day, and she has a long road ahead, so it needs to be special. For all of us." I take a deep breath; I stop short of saying we may not get another birthday. "Understood." He nods, giving me a small smile before heading out. I watch him go, my mind racing with a thousand thoughts.

1 hear the doorbell chime. "I'll get that." I say as I go back out to find them chatting about the cake together.

Jayden looks up, and our eyes meet. A jolt of something nostalgia, longing, regret runs through me.

Ashlyn doesn't look overly impressed. I hope what Abby said earlier doesn't trigger her. Maybe I should've gotten Jayden to do this in private, but what's done is done now.

As I head towards the front door, it opens and in strolls Judy, looking a billion dollars, literally. Her presence fills the room, and I feel a wave of anxiety wash over me.

Memories of Judy's critical eye and hateful comments surface, making me tense. Why does all of this have to hit me today?

"Winona! Oh, what a quaint little home! You're looking amazing as always." She proceeds to air-kiss both my cheeks.

don't all have a twelve-bedroom mansion, I

where's that granddaughter of mine?" she asks as she heads off towards Jayden

man. I think I prefer her being hostile towards me. Her friendliness feels like a

already feel like in walking on a tightrope, one

#25 BONUS

Out

at Jayden, sitting with Abby. His eyes are soft as he looks at her, and a pang of something -

part of that future we planned, but with someone else. Ashlyn is watching them

rings again and I open it to Lisa's smiling

"Come in!"

me I whisper, "thank god

toward the other guys

being a monster?" Lisa

"Worse. She's being nice."

"Ugh!"

I don't

Abby coming in the gate. I invite them all in to join the others. We're a small group but Abby hadn't started kindergarten before she

right back. Help yourself to everything." I say before

I see Lisa eyeing the fruit

say knowing exactly what

party. I get

the cake cutting

the double thumbs

collect myself. The noise of the party

and I need to focus on

think back to the times Jayden and I spent in the kitchen, cooking together, laughing as we

clear the memories. I can't let myself go down that

in.